Whistler Skiers Guide  | Whistler 101

In some ways, Whistler is a place of opposites. That’s part of its appeal. The two mountains rise out of the damp forest of coastal British Columbia less than 50 miles from the coast, a place that isn’t exactly synonymous with skiing. To some, it’s a tony winter address at $3,000 a night – to others, a youthful and chilled-out action sports mecca. The truth is that Whistler Blackcomb has such broad appeal because there is one thing everyone can agree on – the skiing is unlike anywhere else in North America.

Since the merger of the two mountains in 1997, Whistler and Blackcomb have been at the top of every skiers stats list, and on the first page of every best of list for North American resorts. The two mountains have the 2nd and 3rd most vertical drop in North America, and together boast a staggering 8,171 skiable acres (dwarfing its nearest North American competitor, Vail, with 5,289 skiable acres.) From the steep, glaciated runs on Blackcomb to the expansive high alpine bowls and glades on Whistler, the skiing here is as diverse and challenging as it gets.

Of course the skiing at Whistler is world class – but so is just about everything else. Whistler Village is an endless row of boutique hotels, hundreds of stores, and some of the finest restaurants in Canada. The idyllic pedestrian village is upscale and manicured by day, but resembles Mardi Gras at night – the party scene is like no other. Whistler is a town that is as true to its roots as it is a playground for the rich and famous.

Today, this little town in coastal British Columbia maintains its top spot as a skiing & riding destination that is visited by thousands of skiers and riders every year. In 2010, the winter Olympics come to town – putting Vancouver & Whistler on a worldwide stage, and propelling them into the realm of mainstream travel destinations, not just a place for skiers. If ever there was a year to make your Whistler trip, this may be it.

Take a couple of minutes to watch this short video, BC Rules from Rocky Mountain Sherpas – It’s a great introduction to the real spirit of British Columbia.

Whistler Skiers Guide  | Plan Your Trip

Weather, Climate & When to Go

Whistler exists in a sort of bizarre climate and can have fickle weather – often humid, and occasionally rainy – but the huge vertical drop of both mountains means that it isn’t unusual to wake up to a cold drizzle, only to hear the distant sound of avalanche control following a night of raging snowfall up on the mountain. Closer to the village, the snow is typically heavier and wetter (and thus, why most Whistler skiers & riders choose to download on the village gondola rather than slog all the way to skiers’ plaza.)

The season typically gets underway in early December, but it can be January before both mountains are in full operation. Once the snow turns on above treeline, it rarely shuts off – near daily snowfall in the high alpine and the best skiing conditions last straight through mid March.

Spring is also a popular time to visit. The massive base of snow built up over the course of the winter typically allows the resort to keep most of its terrain open through mid-May, despite the mild temperatures. The TELUS world Ski & Snowboard Festival happens in late April, and draws massive crowds to the resort for a week of parties and concerts.

Getting to Whistler

Located 2 hours north of Vancouver in the snow-covered mountains of coastal British Columbia, Whistler isn’t the most accessible of places – but trust us, getting there is as much a part of the Whistler experience as the skiing.

If you are flying in you’ll be landing in Vancouver, a major city that is an attraction in itself (we strongly recommend making it a part of your trip.) Vancouver is easily accessed from all major US and international cities (Air Canada operates the largest schedule of direct flights.)

From the airport, it’s a two hour drive through the core of the city and up one of the most scenic routes in Canada – the Sea to Sky highway, a winding route that weaves along the coast before turning off into the mountains. You have a number of options in making the trip -

By Bus >> Pacific Coach Lines operates the Whistler SkyLynx, a door-to-door bus service from the airport arrivals area to your hotel in Whistler Village. For $57.00 each way, you get your choice from as many as 13 daily departures during the peak season. It’s comfortable, easy, cheap, and typically a fun ride packed with other Whistler skiers.

By Limo or Private Car >> A number of limousine services offer door-to-door private car / SUV / limo services from Vancouver to Whistler, starting around $350. If you are looking for luxury, this is probably the way to go. With a large group, it also may be the least expensive option.

Drive Yourself >> While you won’t need a car once you arrive in Whistler, driving yourself  gives you the opportunity to explore on the way up. Some major car rental operators offer one-way deals, allowing you to return your car in Whistler (so you aren’t stuck paying for it over the duration of your visit.) But be warned – the Sea to Sky highway can be an uneasy trip if you aren’t familiar with the route or aren’t prepared for winter driving conditions.

Whistler Skiers Guide  | Skiing Whistler & Blackcomb

It’s a common question – which mountain do you prefer, Whistler or Blackcomb? While one or the other is often favorable depending on the conditions or the type of skiing you want to do, it isn’t as important to have a favorite as it once was. Since the opening of the Peak2Peak gondola in 2008, the two mountains might as well be one, if it weren’t for their dramatically different personalities. The trip from mid-mountain on Whistler to Blackcomb that used to take upwards of an hour now takes just 11 minutes.

So, which mountain is better?

That really depends on who you ask. Blackcomb is often preferred by locals and expert skiers because it boasts more truly advanced terrain and extreme steeps, but Whistler definitely has a lot going for it – namely, the wide-open bowls where it isn’t hard to find unskied snow following a storm.

Powder day: head to Whistler
There’s little debate – on a powder day, some of the best spots can be found on Whistler (namely the peak chair and the back bowls.) If it’s still snowing late in the day and many of the high alpine lifts remain closed, head over to Crystal Ridge on Blackcomb – it’s completely below treeline, and a mashup of different trails that’s awesome when the snow is deep.

TIP >> Watch the lift status boards throughout the day  – it isn’t unusual for lifts accessing high terrain to open in the afternoon, once patrollers have finished avalanche control. If a light turns yellow, people quickly start lining up.

Bluebird day: hit the glaciers on Blackcomb
Take the opportunity to hit up some of the more exposed lifts on a clear and calm day – ski 7th Heaven and the Blackcomb Glacier. If it’s warm or very bright, you’ll have the added benefit of softer snow on 7th heaven, which is one of the few areas on either mountain that is south-facing.

Windy, Stormy or Otherwise Crappy: Mid-Mountain
Poor weather at Whistler usually plays out the same way: rain and fog closer to the village, wind and blowing snow in the high alpine, but a clear spot at mid-mountain. It’s always a surprise for first time visitors when they pop out of the clouds at the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler to find that it’s relatively sunny or gently snowing. Many of the tree covered runs lower on Blackcomb are also a safe bet – they weave through tall forests and are much less exposed, which is a real plus during heavy snow.

Best Parks: Blackcomb
The 16 acre Nintendo terrain park on Blackcomb is consistently one of the highest rated parks in the world, so there’s no argument here. There are beginner and intermediate features on Whistler in the Habitat terrain park under the Emerald chair.

Whistler Skiers Guide  | Whistler Village

The Many Villages of Whistler
Whistler has three separate villages spread out across the base area –

• Whistler Village proper, situated at the intersection of the two mountains, is where all the action is. Most of the hotels, restaurants, shops and crowds are right here – if you want the full Whistler experience, this is the place to stay.
• Village North is really just an extension of the main village that’s a bit further from the lifts; it’s safe to think of it as a part of the main village. Marketplace is an area at the far end of Village North off Lorimer Road which is more locally oriented – here you’ll find a post office, banks, drugstore, video rental, and the big grocery store in town – the IGA.
• Upper Village, also known as the Blackcomb base, is a short walk from the Whistler Village proper. There’s a short, quiet strip of restaurants and a number of upscale hotels. It’s a quieter, more refined Whistler experience here.
• Creekside is the original base of Whistler mountain, located a couple of miles (er, a few kilometers) from Whistler Village. It’s a secondary base area with a few restaurants and shops, but is made up of mostly hotels. While it isn’t within walking distance of everything else, the WAVE bus (Whistler’s local transit system) makes it easy to get to and from the main village. Many Whistler skiers appreciate that the hotels are mostly new, the rooms are spacious and plentiful, and the prices are often significantly lower.

What to Do in Whistler Village
So many skiing destinations have a real lack of nighttime entertainment and alternative activities for non-skiers. Whistler is completely different. The main village is a bustling maze of shops, restaurants and activities that make this town a deserving destination in itself.

Shopping
Whistler has it all – massive flagship stores from top brands like Nike, Salomon, Burton, and the North Face stand side by side with small boutiques filled wall to wall with Prada outerwear. The village stroll is home to no less than 3 Starbucks stores, several upscale galleries, a movie theater, and just about everything else.

Apres Ski – Hit one of the many popular locations like Longhorn or Garibaldi Lift Co. (GLC) in the main village, Merlins at the Blackcomb base, or Dusty’s at Whistler Creekside for some drinks and BBQ. Amsterdam and Citta along the village stroll have heated patios that are great spots for people watching.

Dining in the Village
Amongst the hundreds of places to eat in Whistler, we have a few favorites. Here’s what we recommend.

All Out: Araxi is a Whistler institution with over 20 years in the village under its belt. Here you’ll find internationally acclaimed and locally sourced cuisine that reminds you just how close you are to the pacific. It’s one of the toughest reservations in town, so plan ahead.
Casual: Elements Urban Tapas Parlour in the Summit Lodge & Spa features great food and a substantial wine list in a casual atmosphere. Breakfast isn’t to be missed.
Quick: Zog’s Dogs is Whistler’s original late night eatery. Dogs, Poutine (a french-Canadian delicacy), and beaver tails (think fried dough) are cooked up outdoors at the head of the village by the Sundial Boutique Hotel. When it’s freezing cold outside, you won’t want to hang around long.

Nightlife
The nightlife in Whistler is legendary. Garfinkels is a favorite amongst locals, and Tommy Africas is a large bar with some pretty big names coming through by night. There’s a schedule of sorts in Whistler, so find out from the locals where to go depending on the night of the week – and check out the Pique Newsmagazine to find out what’s in store during your stay.

Whistler Skiers Guide  | Where to Stay in Whistler

With over 100 distinct lodging options in Whistler village alone, there’s no shortage of hotels, condominiums and everything in between. While the lodging in Whistler skews on the pricey side, there are values to be had – but it’s essential to plan ahead and book early, especially during peak holiday weeks or during the World Ski & Snowboard Festival in April.

Best Value in the Village – Crystal Lodge
While value is a relative term in Whistler, the Crystal Lodgegets consistent praise for its location in the heart of the village and spacious rooms that come at a semi-reasonable price. Most of the rooms here are on the second floor, overlooking the village stroll’s shops & restaurants. It’s great if you are interested in being in the “heart of the action”, but some light sleepers complain about the excessive noise.
The Crystal Lodge has all of the expected amenities – ski valet, on-site parking (for a nightly fee), and outdoor pool & hot tub.  It’s also just steps from the Whistler Village Gondola.

Location – Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside
The Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside is a full service, five star hotel overlooking Skier’s Plaza in Whistler Village. It’s within arms reach of the Blackcomb gondola, and is just steps from the Whistler Village Gondola. Rooms on the mountain side have one of the best views in the village, and overlook the large swimming pool and hot tubs that stand above skier’s plaza. It’s the closest thing there is to ski in ski out in the main village.

Posh Hangout - Adara Hotel
With décor that fits somewhere between mountain lodge and minimalist-modern, the Adara Hotel is a style-conscious boutique hotel in the heart of Whistler Village. The staff is often noted to be helpful and personable,  and the loft rooms are surprisingly spacious. Our only qualm is that the outdoor pool isn’t open in the winter, which seems to be a given at every other hotel in Whistler.

Best for a Group – Sundial Boutique Hotel
Sundial is consistently amongst the top ranked hotels in Whistler – it’s newly renovated, in a prime location, and loaded with amenities. The two bedroom apartments are massive and fully equipped for an extended stay; several feature private outdoor hot tubs. While it’s pricey and often booked far in advance, the Sundial can be an economical option if you are traveling in a group.

Shoestring Budget - Hostelling International Whistler
In an effort to remain true to our roots, the Access Road offersyou this region’s least expensive option – Hostelling International Whistler. It’s a dorm-style option that’s a 15-20 minute bus ride from Whistler Village, but it has a lot going for it. The hostel is quaint, comfortable, and located directly on the beautiful shores of Alta Lake, looking out to Whistler & Blackcomb. It’s secluded, but it’s tough to beat the $34 CAD per night.

Images provided by Flickr users robin123, vancityallie, halle, andre charland, 12dam, formulaphoto, and dbsteers as noted under creative common licensing. Thank you!

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